Some volunteer firefighters may be part of a combination fire department that utilizes both full-time and volunteer firefighters.
Thrush is usually caused by the yeast fungus candida albicans. This yeast lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. Normally it is kept under control. Occasionally, however, conditions change and signs and symptoms can develop.
It is an infection caused by a common type of yeast (or fungus) called candida. This yeast is found in most people's bodies. A healthy immune system keeps it under control. Candida usually infects the mouth, throat, or vagina. It can occur months or years before other, more serious opportunistic infections. See Fact Sheet 500 for more information on opportunistic infections. In the mouth, the infection is called thrush. When the infection spreads deeper into the throat it is called esophagitis. It looks like white patches similar to cottage cheese, or red spots. It can cause a sore throat, pain when swallowing, nausea, and loss of appetite.